Baldwin police checking for DUI’s

'Tis the season to be jolly, but be careful just how jolly when driving.

That's the warning from the Baldwin City Police Department. Officers will be keeping an eye out for impaired drivers, those that have had too much to drink.

"We're going to be watching more for DUI drivers during the holidays," said Police Chief Mike McKenna. "We have a zero tolerance for it.

"There is absolutely no excuse for getting behind the wheel while you're intoxicated," said McKenna. "There's no excuse."

In the past several weeks, the police department has made arrests for driving under the influence. That's out of the ordinary. McKenna said the arrests seem to go in spurts. It will be weeks, even months, between DUIs, then there will be several.

He's hoping that the trend won't continue. But, he also knows that Christmas parties and, of course, New Year's Eve celebrations tend to put more drunk drivers behind the wheel.

"That's right. That's very true," he said. "The whole entire holiday period in here causes people to be more festive, drink more.

"That's fine to drink alcohol and have a good time, but everyone needs a designated driver to make sure they get home safely," said McKenna.